Anxiety is a common issue for many Americans. Statistics indicate that nearly a third of all U.S. adults suffer from anxiety at some point during their lifetime, and every year, panic attacks strike more than 10% of the population.
If you suffer from anxiety, you know firsthand how it can impact your life. It can interfere with your relationships and prevent you from enjoying the simple pleasures of everyday life. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate anxiety and prevent panic attacks. These strategies can help you feel better and enjoy life more.
Prioritize Your Health
How you treat your body can impact your mental health. To feel your best, be proactive about taking care of yourself:
- Get seven hours of sleep each night
- Work out consistently
- Eat a healthy diet of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates
- Avoid processed foods, sugar, caffeine, food additives, and fried foods
- Use meditation to direct your thoughts and feel peaceful
Connect With Nature
Breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the beauty of Mother Nature can energize your body and nurture your brain. So, try to enjoy the outdoors regularly. If your time is limited, consider exercising outside. By hiking, cycling, or jogging outside, you can reduce your anxiety while simultaneously improving your physical health!
Assess Your Career Path and Update Your Resume
If your job is a source of stress or anxiety, you may want to consider other career options. It’s never too late to pursue a line of work that feels rewarding rather than stressful. In fact, statistics show that 29% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 44 have changed careers at least once since graduating college.
To get started, create an updated resume that reflects your work history, relevant experience, and job skills. Consider taking advantage of a resume creator and free templates that guide you through the process by:
- Providing you with an array of professional templates to choose from
- Prompting you for the content you’d like included
- Asking you to choose colors and fonts to add your personal touch
- Allowing you to import photos and images to enhance the final product
Optimize Your Environment
Studies show that the state of your environment can impact your mental health, with clutter increasing your cortisol levels and making you more stressed and anxious. To create a peaceful and nurturing space, commit to working on at least one room each week. By working slowly and methodically, you can avoid feeling rushed and pressured and make good progress over time.
If you work from home, you should also invest time and thought into optimizing your office. It pays to create an environment where you can feel at peace and still accomplish work. Consider modifications, including:
- Welcoming in natural light by opening the blinds
- Using a standing desk to reduce time spent sitting
- Buying an ergonomic desk chair to avoid stiffness and pain
- Investing in a quality computer and high-speed internet to ensure an efficient and pleasant work experience
- Using lamps to provide both indirect and focused lighting
- Bringing nature into your space with houseplants and flowers
Get Professional Help
While self-help strategies can often help you mitigate anxiety, some situations require a more formal approach. If the issue persists despite your best efforts, consider seeing a professional therapist from Nashville Therapy for Women who can help you explore, understand, and manage your anxiety through in-person or online sessions.
Anxiety can impact almost every aspect of life, but if you struggle with this issue, realize that you are not alone. By prioritizing your health, spending more time in nature, reconsidering your career, creating a healthier home, and working with a therapist, you can gain control over your anxiety and wholeheartedly embrace life!